United Fresh Produce Association Congratulates the House on Passing the Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C – The United Fresh Produce Association congratulates the House of Representatives for passing the Agricultural Act of 2014 (commonly known as the Farm Bill) by a vote of 251-166 today. The Farm Bill conference report provides an overall increase in investment of 55 percent over 2008 Farm Bill funding levels in critical produce industry initiatives and programs.

During today’s debate on the House floor, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) cited bill provisions that provide “dramatic investment in specialty crops” as a reason for his support of the conference report. Rep. Suzan Delbene (WA-1) agreed and urged support for the bill, in part because of the “unprecedented investment in specialty crops.”

United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel lauded the diligence of House members in their ongoing support of the Farm Bill. “We appreciate the leadership and hard work provided by House Chairman Frank Lucas, Ranking Member Collin Peterson and other members of the House in support of this bill,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “We look forward to working with our Senate colleagues later in this week to ensure this bill also passes the Senate.”

The Senate could bring up the conference report as early as tomorrow. If the Senate follows the House action as expected and passes the report, it will then be sent to the President for his signature. United Fresh is launching a grassroots campaign this week calling on produce industry leaders from across the country to contact their members of Congress to encourage them to vote ‘yes’ on the Agricultural Act of 2014.

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Founded in 1904, the United Fresh ProduceAssociation serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.